Kevin Ernest Weldon AO (14 December 1933 – 9 November 2023) was an Australian book publisher, businessman, philanthropist, and supporter of the ‘Life-saving Movement’.
In 1994, he became a member of the Order of Australia for his philanthropy, contribution to water safety as president of World Life Saving, and service to the publishing industry.
On 10 June 2024, he was posthumously promoted to Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to international and national surf life saving, to publishing, to animal welfare, and to philanthropic endeavors.
[4] The following year, he established Australia's first large-scale animation studio, a joint venture with Hanna-Barbera – the creators of hits like Yogi Bear and the Flintstones.
Paul Hamlyn acquired Australian publishers Lansdowne Press (Melbourne), Ure Smith (Sydney), and Jacaranda (Brisbane).
He garnered success with A Day in the Life of Australia, with subsequent volumes being produced in India, China, Africa, the Soviet Union and the United States.
The next few years saw him enter the local US market with joint ventures, notably in Texas, as well as guiding the takeover of British publisher Marshall Cavendish by Straits Times, Singapore.
Retail sales had increased by about $10 million a year and Weldon continued to diversify, taking an interest in films; he developed complementary book products including Wall of Iron and Over China.
Mimosa also became active in Canada, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and South Africa, producing national commemorative books for governments in Singapore, China, the US, and Indonesia.
[citation needed] In 2015, Weldon established The Ripper Group, a new organization using remotely piloted aircraft systems, technology, and education in the area of search and rescue.
[citation needed] He has served on a variety of committees and boards, including the Powerhouse Museum (Sydney) and the Institute of Aboriginal Studies (Canberra).
Moreover, the club accrued large parcels of surrounding land through Weldon's drive and initiative, borrowing money from the bank, and then organizing the sale of chickens through hotels to pay off the debt.
[citation needed] Kevin Weldon was a member of the President's Board of National Council of Surf Lifesaving Association of Australia.
[citation needed] In 1994, Weldon became a member of the Order of Australia for his philanthropy, contribution to water safety as president of World Life Saving, and service to the publishing industry.